GDFNL cancels season in landslide vote

THE Geelong & District FNL’s decision to call off its season was sealed by an “overwhelming majority” of clubs who did not want to take to the field this year.

The independent GDFNL yesterday joined AFL Barwon leagues in axing senior football and netball competitions this season amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It is with great disappointment that I inform you that the GDFL executive has announced the decision to cancel the Geelong and District Football and Netball League senior football and netball competitions for season 2020,” League president Neville Whitley yesterday said in a statement.

“After extensive consultation with government bodies, AFL Barwon, AFL Victoria, Netball Victoria and our clubs, a vote between all club presidents showed the overwhelming majority did not support a premiership season going ahead.

“The GDFNL will now continue to survey clubs on their desire for alternative competition models in a modified format for both senior football and netball over the coming weeks.”

Only three of the league’s 12 clubs voted in favour of the season commencing at a recent presidents’ meeting.

Whitley said the GDFNL remained “committed to conducting junior football competitions and junior netball modified competitions in 2020”.

Senior football and netball clubs had raised a host of concerns with the league including player numbers, uncertainty about how to generate revenue, their ability to manage crowds to comply with government restrictions and health concerns due to COVID-19.

Whitley said clubs had “rightly been pushing for a decision date”, and said the league couldn’t wait any longer to make its decision on the season.

“For the ongoing health and sustainability of our clubs, this is the best decision for the league,” Whitley said.